(photo/video) Sen. Kelly supports bill to make CT health insurance more affordable

For Immediate Release

Sen. Kelly supports bill to make health insurance more affordable for CT families

(Watch Sen. Kelly’s testimony here.)

As health insurance costs continue to soar in Connecticut, Sen. Kevin Kelly says a common sense bill proposal can provide much-needed relief for working and middle class families.

“Here in Connecticut, we see double-digit health insurance rate hikes on pretty much an annual basis,” Sen. Kelly said.  “Working and middle class families are struggling. They are finding it more and more difficult to find, get and pay for quality healthcare. Health insurance premiums are the size of mortgage payments. That’s unacceptable and there is a better way.”

Sen. Kelly and Republicans have offered policies which, if adopted, will significantly lower health care costs for working and middle class families.  One of those policies is contained in House Bill 5247.

The legislation has the support of groups like:

• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Connecticut Association of REALTORS
• The Connecticut Business and Industry Association
• The Connecticut Non-Profit Alliance
• The Connecticut State Medical Society
• The Connecticut Brewers Guild
• The Credit Union League of Connecticut

These groups will be able to create large self-insured health plans for their employees, to pool their resources and risks to dramatically reduce costs.

“This proposal will offer high-quality health insurance with the same state and federal rules, regulations, and coverage mandates as fully-insured plans, but at significantly lower cost than is currently available,” Sen. Kelly said.  “And this can all be accomplished without any public funds or taxpayer liability.  A similar version of this bill nearly made it to the finish line last year.  We were disappointed that the legislation stalled, because it had widespread bipartisan, and bicameral support.”

To submit testimony on the bill, visit here.